Welcome!
Salutations! My name is Craig Swain. Welcome back to my blog.
To the Sound of the Guns is relaunching with a slight rebranding going on. While writings here will continue on focus with Civil War related topics, look for more content related to general military history. In particular forays into 20th century military history. Thanks for stopping by!
This relaunch is a work in progress. Much of the old content will return, reformatted for the new style and tone. Add to that new content, as I explore additional subjects that did not fit within my original format.
My Writing Projects
The Charleston Theater (1861-1985)
The most active, prolonged campaign of the Civil War has received scant attention by historians. Also see posts about Savannah, the “sub theater” and right flank of Charleston’s defenses.
Battery Histories
With hundreds of artillery batteries serving during the Civil War, there are varied experiences to relate. Some well known… others not so well known….Included here are battery summaries.
20th Century (and late 19th Century) Military History
The Civil War spurred tactics and weapons development into the 20th century.
Sherman’s March
A day-by-day accounting of Sherman’s marches from Atlanta to Bennet Place (and beyond!) from November 1864 to April 1865.
Field Fortifications
An examination of the practice of field fortification engineering through the Civil War era.
Winter Encampment -1864
Series of posts discussing the Army of the Potomac’s winter encampment, in Culpeper, Virginia, during the winter of 1864.
War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
J. R. R. TOLKIEN
History represents our collective experience as a society of beings. History is complex and varied. And we should embrace that complexity, not try to simplify or flavor for our own tastes.
Like it or not, war is part of that complex and varied experience. It is my passion to better understand that which has marked my existence.
To the Sound of the Guns 